And now, it seems, the gods have answered their call. Walking the slums and tenements of downtown Manhattan, demonstrating extraordinary powers, five strangers are gathering a growing crowd of worshippers.
Steven wants to believe in miracles, but the Doctor is more sceptical. What are the strangers' real motives, and why does history make no mention of these events? As New York begins to tear itself apart, the Doctor's principles are tested to their limits. Which side should he choose to help? And what part will a London schoolgirl named Dorothea Chaplet play in the ensuing chaos?
What price is humankind willing to pay for salvation?
Featuring the First Doctor and Steven, and introducing Dodo, this adventure takes place between The Massacre and The Ark.
The main theme of this novel is belief and the many different forms it can take. We see religious belief in the supporters of the Gods, the beings who descend on New York to ‘put right’ the troubles of conflict, crime and despair. In contrast individual beliefs of the central characters are also presented: the Doctor’s conviction to science and his principles, Steven’s belief in justice and compassion and so on. Steve Lyons repeats the excellent characterisation which made “The Witch Hunters” (MM15) so good, making both the regulars and the supporting cast more realistic. In the case of the former he provides a solid background for both Steven and Dodo, providing the former with a proper introduction. The Doctor is largely kept in the background as was the trend in later Hartnell stories, but his presence is still felt, especially when confronting the Gods.
Amongst the other characters General Marchant, the patriotic military cliché and Alexander Lullington-Smythe, the slimy agent of the Gods are the most clearly defined. The use of stereotypes allows the scene to be set quickly and effectively, but can be a little predictable at times. The Gods themselves are a fine collection of beings; immensely powerful and appealing they are not utterly hostile and highlight that there are no real ‘bad guys’ in the novel.
The plot gets off to a slow but steady start before the time travellers arrive in ‘The Big Apple’ and begin to discover the dramatic events being played out. The friction between the trio is well staged and the conflict between Steven and the Doctor is particularly good, as they do not meet up again until very near the end. The conclusion, although slightly surreal, is satisfying enough but is unusually low-key. The novel is very easy to read quickly and once you reach a certain point events just fly by.
“Salvation” is a well thought out and carefully written book with excellent characterisation and a powerful central idea. It exists apart from many other ‘Who’ novels due to its concentration on human belief and religion, making it not always dramatic, but certainly thought provoking.
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